Western Buttercup
Ranunculus occidentalis

Family: Ranunculaceae

What it is like

Ranunculus occidentalis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Vernally moist ground, 100 - 1800 metres. Grassy slopes of meadows or open woodlands from sea level to 1500 metres.

South-western N. America - British Columbia to California and Nevada.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Seed - cooked. Used as piñole either on its own or mixed with other seeds. The seed must be parched in order to remove an acrid principle.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors at least in the milder areas of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a moist loamy soil. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

The juice from the flowers was used as a poison by native North American Indians. Thse toxins are likely to be present in all parts of the plant and can be destroyed by heat or by drying. Many if not all plants in this genus also have a strongly acrid juice that can cause blistering to the skin.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

R. occidentalis eisenii. (Kellogg.)Gray.